The Paradox of The Cross

About the Book

The objective of this book is to help you know Jesus better by a thoughtful and thorough consideration of his death on the cross.  Whether you are on a search for who Jesus is, or are desiring to draw nearer to him, or both, this book is aimed at assisting you.  Pondering the cross not only turns our hearts more toward Jesus, but it also causes our minds to see the infinite wisdom behind such an event.  It is this divine wisdom which offers powerful evidence that the cross was the plan of God from the very beginnings of humanity.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus have always been, far and above, the central events of the Gospel.  Concerning the resurrection Paul says to the Corinthians, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.”  Jesus’ return from the dead and his many appearances to hundreds of disciples was the overwhelming proof that he truly was Messiah, Lord, Savior, and the Son of God.  Without discounting the resurrection even a little bit, it was the cross, however, where Jesus fulfilled his calling from the Father.

Jesus always had a choice.  His prayer in Gethsemane showed his desire to not have to face the cross, as well as his willingness to do the Father’s will.  If Jesus had said, “No, I’m not doing it,” then evil would have won and his mission would have failed.  He had to be the lamb before he would become the king. (In chapter three this idea is more thoroughly considered.)  Thus, the necessity and centrality of the cross to Jesus’ entire mission is a key fact of the Christian message. He was born to be crucified.  Additionally, underneath the message of the cross lies a powerful testimony to the event being part of a divine plan that is beyond human wisdom.  As C. S. Lewis points out, the perfect gift of His life, His perfect submission, perfect suffering and perfect death “were only possible because He was God.”  This is what these readings are focused upon – the divine perfection of the cross.

In preparing these devotional readings it was my goal to not only focus on the facts of the cross, but, more so to focus on the “deep magic” of the cross as C.S. Lewis calls it.  It dawned on me that the cross of Jesus is a point in human history in which infinity breaks into the finite, in which the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Evil have their “showdown,” in which the realm of Spirit intertwines with the realm of nature in such a way that we all stand in awe.   From this perspective the cross becomes the center of all human history.  The meaning of the cross becomes so rich and so deep that it can only be from the wisdom of God.  As one looks into the depth of meaning that the cross conveys, it is like looking at a finely cut gem stone with its many facets.  Every slight change in viewing angle reveals new reflections, added beauty, richer depth, and greater complexity.   Meditating on the cross of Jesus is like this.  There is a depth of wisdom, a richness of meaning, and a spiritual “logic” that can only be conveyed in paradox.  Paradox is always something that seems to defy human logic and natural processes.  It challenges our mind to go beyond its boundaries.   The event of Jesus’ crucifixion certainly fits that description.  In the first reading I discuss further this concept and its implications.

This book is a series of devotional readings designed to speak to the heart of the reader as well as the head.  I would suggest that you set aside about an hour’s time to read one devotional and spend the rest of that time in prayer and meditation in the context of the thoughts of the reading.  I know that you will be blessed in doing so.  The book also lends itself to a group study as well, using each chapter reading as your weekly discussion topic.  You might also consider, in the early part of the calendar year, reading and meditating upon one devotional a week leading up to Good Friday.  This could be a way of bringing your attention into focus upon the cross during the weeks prior to our yearly celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  However, you choose to use this book, I know it will expand your appreciation and inner knowledge of what Paul calls “the unsearchable riches of Christ” and  help you “see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things” (Eph 3.8, 9).

About the Author

Dr. Simeroth has taught courses in Christian Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at a number of universities and colleges in California.   He received his Ph. D. in Theological Ethics from the University of Southern California in 1992.  He also has a Master’s degree in Religion from Pepperdine University, Malibu.  He currently resides in Southern California and is actively involved in writing, teaching and public speaking. He is the author of two additional works, “Living in Grace,” and “A Commentary and Study Guide on Paul’s Letter to the Romans.”  He also has a background as a musician and writes contemporary Christian Music.